Tokyo 2020 Bid leadership extremely pleased' at strong Evaluation Commission verdict

6/25/2013

Tokyo 2020 bid leader Tsunekazu Takeda today welcomed a ‘very strong’ report from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission on Tokyo’s bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The report, a technical assessment of the 14 themes included in the Bid Candidature File following the Commission’s visit to Tokyo in March 2013, has confirmed that Tokyo 2020 is capable of hosting an excellent Games.

The IOC Evaluation Commission, led by IOC member Sir Craig Reedie, highlighted a number of areas as being particular strengths, including:

- Well-organised and safe Games. “As a modern, dynamic city that sets global trends and, at the same time, has a strong respect for its history and culture Tokyo seeks to deliver well-organised and safe Games that would unite world-class innovation with traditional values under the motto of ‘Discover Tomorrow’.”

- Tokyo’s promise of a compact, city-centre celebration. Thanks to the compact Games concept, the Evaluation Commission Report confirms that “The Games vision is to create a unique celebration in the centre of the city that would help reinforce the Olympic values and demonstrate the benefits of sport to a new generation.” It also cites “Athletes would enjoy short travel times as the majority of venues would be within 20 minutes of the Olympic Village.”

- Tokyo’s financial strength. The report verified that the city has the necessary financial strength, with several references to the “Hosting Reserve Fund” of USD 4.5 billion already set aside by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which “exceeds the proposed amount of government funded capital expenditures associated with the Games and its presence significantly reduces the risks normally inherent in the delivery of Games infrastructure by government.” The report also highlights that “no capital investment is required for transportation, airports, accommodation, electrical infrastructure or security in order to host the Games,” and adds, “The Commission is confident that the Japanese economy would be able to support the necessary infrastructure development needed for the delivery of the Games.”

- Tokyo’s “robust” existing transport network. Citing the compact nature of the Tokyo concept, the report highlighted that “With one of the most modern and efficient public transport systems in the world, the majority of client groups would enjoy short travel times. The concept lends itself to the possibility for Tokyo to create a city-centre Olympic celebration.”

- Tokyo’s legacy plans. “Using and renovating existing venues would reinvigorate the legacy of the 1964 Olympic Games and the 11 new permanent venues, some of which would also be used after the Games as national training centres, would create a long term foundation for the respective sports in Japan.” In addition, Tokyo’s “legacy plans are well thought out and incorporate physical, social and environmental initiatives”.

Tsunekazu Takeda, IOC Member and President of Tokyo 2020 as well as the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC), said: “I am extremely pleased with the report, which reflects the very positive and productive week we shared with the IOC team. We thank the members of the Evaluation Commission for visiting Tokyo and recognising so many positive aspects of the city that will allow us to deliver a superb Games.

“We are proud that the report confirms our Bid’s very strong technical excellence, which offers certainty in uncertain times for sport. There can be no doubt that we will deliver and offer the IOC a strong partnership.

“We are also aware that we must deliver much more than just a strong report. This is why we are thrilled that the report reflects the excitement and passion within our Games vision, the delivery of a city centre Games celebration with 35 million passionate sport fans that will be unlike anything seen before.
“The report clearly identifies the advantage of our ultra compact Games plan, which puts the athletes first with 85% of venues within 8km of the Olympic Village, and fully integrates the Games in heart of Tokyo’s safe and exciting city-centre.

“We are pleased that the Commission highlights the value of ‘one of the most modern and efficient public transport systems in the world’ that exists in Tokyo, which underpins our super efficient Games plan and ensures very short and stress-free journeys so every athlete and member of the Games Family will arrive on time.

“It is particularly encouraging that our vision and plans continue to receive overwhelming public support, highlighted by IOC’s poll showing 70% support in Tokyo.

“With such strong technical foundations, we know we can focus on the all important extras that will help to inspire millions of young people and help keep Olympism at the heart of our rapidly changing world.”

Naoki Inose, Chairman of Tokyo 2020 and Governor of Tokyo, said: “During the IOC Evaluation Commission’s visit to Tokyo in March of this year, the Bid Committee explained in detail about Tokyo’s intricate transportation system which carries 26 million people each day, the $4.5 billion Games Hosting Fund already in the bank, and the safe and secure nature of our city. Additionally, through our seamless and efficient arrangement of site visits, the Evaluation Commission members were left with a strong impression of our compact venue plan and organizational ability. Furthermore, with our sincere “omotenashi” spirit of hospitality, I feel that Tokyo’s appeal as a city was conveyed accurately as well.

“As a result, I am extremely happy to learn that Tokyo’s compact venue plan, quick and reliable transportation system, first-class accommodation, strong financial base, solid security system, and strong hosting ability were rated high by the Evaluation Commission members.

“Between now and the announcement of the Host City decision at the IOC General Assembly in September, Tokyo 2020 will continue to give our all to the Bid in order to realise our goal of hosting an Olympic and Paralympic Games which inspires the world. Our activity is supported by an All-Japan team including the national government, regional governments, the business community, and the sports world.”

Tsunekazu Takeda concluded: “The IOC’s feedback is highly valuable, so we will continue to study the highly positive report closely and review any areas we can make additional improvements as we prepare to host a superb Games in 2020.”

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will elect the 2020 host city at the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 7 Sept. 2013.

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